IN A BIRTHDAY message to the Queen, the Bishop of Winchester has hailed her “sustaining faith”.
As churches and parishes across Hampshire celebrated the birthday of Britain’s longest reigning monarch, the Right Reverend Tim Dakin drew attention to her Christian faith.
“I would like to wish Her Majesty a very happy 90th birthday,” he said.
“The Queen has been very open about her faith in Jesus Christ, which has sustained her in her many years of exemplary public service, not least as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
“I thank God for her faith and for her reign, and I pray it may long continue.”
The Queen had talked frequently about the importance of her faith during her reign.
She had described Jesus as “an inspiration and an anchor” in her life, stating “I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.”
The Servant Queen, an illustrated book focusing on the Queen’s faith in her own words, was distributed at street parties and community events held around the county.
Christians were asked to take copies of the book and give them to friends to act as a basis for conversations about Christ.
There was a weekend of celebrations at Winchester Cathedral, and thanksgiving for the Queen’s life, with a street party, tea and picnics on Saturday, followed by a brass band concert.
On Sunday there were services of thanksgiving and music.